Linking Apple's iTunes to the TV screen

Apple has launched Apple TV™ in the UK and US. This digital box comes in two versions - as a 40 gigabyte hard drive for up to 50 hours of video (£199), or 160 gigabyte hard drive for up to 200 hours of video (£269).

The Apple TV™ effectively brings the iTunes library to your TV screen. You download content including music, music videos, podcasts, movies trailers and YouTube videos to your PC or Mac, to watch on your TV screen. You can also use Apple TV to show your photos on the TV screen.

It will connect with “almost all” modern widescreen televisions and operate wirelessly with your computer network, using HDMI or component video to connect with the television. A remote control allows you to browse the digital media on your computer and to choose what to view. It comes standard with HDMI, component video, analogue and optical audio ports. Video streaming will require a 802.11g/n wireless network. In summary, system requirements are:

• Widescreen (16:9) enhanced definition or high definition television with an HDMI, DVI, or component video input 
• Wired or wireless network
• iTunes 7 (available as a free download) 
• Broadband Internet connection
• Macintosh computer with Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later; or PC with Windows XP Home or Professional (SP2).
   

Note: a widescreen (16:9) enhanced definition or high definition television is required for the Apple TV™, with an HDMI, DVI, or component video input